ROSS 11 Series and 12 Series Mechanical & Manual Valves — Installation and Operating Instructions

Overview

The ROSS® 11 Series and 12 Series Mechanical & Manual Valves are premium-quality pneumatic valves designed for hand- or cam-operated inline mounting applications. Built to the highest manufacturing standards, these valves are available in poppet and spool-and-sleeve construction, delivering reliable performance in demanding industrial environments.

ROSS Controls, founded in 1921, has more than 100 years of fluid power engineering expertise. The 11 Series and 12 Series valves reflect that heritage: precision-built die-cast aluminum bodies, high-quality seals, and operator designs that withstand rigorous use cycles. Whether you require a toggle lever, pushbutton, plunger, roller, or palm button operator, the 11 and 12 Series portfolio provides the right configuration for your application.

This document covers valve installation, maintenance procedures, lubrication guidelines, standard specifications, service kit information, and safety warnings. Please read all instructions thoroughly before proceeding with installation.

Key Features

11 Series Valve Features

The 11 Series valve features a 1/4-inch port size with dual mounting flanges providing both side and bottom mounting options. Operators available include toggle lever, pushbutton, plunger, roller, and one-way roller. The valve is available in 2-way or 3-way normally closed design, constructed with a poppet mechanism and die-cast aluminum valve body. The lever knob material is glass-filled nylon.

Port size: 1/4 inch
Operators: toggle lever, pushbutton, plunger, roller, one-way roller
2-way or 3-way normally closed design
Dual mounting flanges (side and bottom)
Poppet construction
Die-cast aluminum valve body
Glass-filled nylon lever knob

12 Series Valve Features

The 12 Series offers spring-return poppet and spool-and-sleeve configurations with port sizes of 1/8 and 1/4 inch. Operators include pushbutton (flush and mushroom), selector switch, and heavy-duty palm button. Button actuators are available in red or green; selector switches in black. The spool-and-sleeve model uses stainless steel, polyoxymethylene, aluminum, nitrile rubber, and stainless steel springs for durable, long-life performance.

Port sizes: 1/8 and 1/4 inch, spring return
Operators: pushbutton, mushroom button, selector switch, palm button
Button actuators: red or green; selector switch: black
Spool material: aluminum
Seals: nitrile rubber
Spring material: stainless steel
Switch parts: glass-filled nylon
Valid operation distance: 0.22 in (5.5 mm)
Invalid operation distance: 0.04 in (1.0 mm)
Pressure for valid/invalid operation: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)

Cam Valve Operator Stroke Limits

For cam-operated models, operators must be moved only within specified limits to avoid valve damage. The allowable stroke ranges are: Plunger: 0.07 to 0.25 inch; Roller: 0.10 to 0.29 inch; One-way roller: 0.05 to 0.10 inch.

Technical Specifications

11 Series Valve Specifications (Toggle Lever / Palm Button / Cam Types)

Construction: Poppet
Mounting type: Side and bottom mounting flanges
Ambient/Media temperature: 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C)
Flow media: Filtered air
Inlet pressure: 5 to 150 psig (0.3 to 10 bar)
Valve body: Die-cast aluminum
Lever knob material: Glass-filled nylon
Button material (palm button): Aluminum
Recommended filtration: 5-micron rated air filter

12 Series Valve Specifications (Pushbutton / Mushroom / Selector Switch)

Construction: Poppet
Mounting type: Side and bottom mounting flanges
Ambient/Media temperature: 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C)
Flow media: Filtered air
Inlet pressure: 5 to 150 psig (0.3 to 10 bar)
Valve body: Die-cast aluminum
Button materials: Aluminum

12 Series Spool & Sleeve Specifications

Construction: Spool & sleeve
Mounting type: Inline
Ambient/Media temperature: 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C)
Flow media: Filtered air
Inlet pressure: 5 to 150 psig (0.3 to 10 bar)
Valve body: Die-cast aluminum
Button materials: Stainless steel, polyoxymethylene
Spool material: Aluminum
Seals: Nitrile rubber
Spring material: Stainless steel
Switch parts: Glass-filled nylon
Valid operation distance: 0.22 in (5.5 mm)
Invalid operation distance: 0.04 in (1.0 mm)
Pressure for valid/invalid operation: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)

11 Series Service Kit Model Numbers

1121A2001 / 1121A2002 — Service Kit 681K87
1123A2001 / 1123A2002 — Service Kit 682K87
1131A2001 / 1131A2002 / 1131A2003 — Service Kit 681K87
1133A2001 / 1133A2002 / 1133A2003 — Service Kit 682K87
Note: Service kits are not available for 12 Series valves

Applications

Industrial Machine Control

The 11 and 12 Series valves are widely used in industrial machine control applications where operators need to manually direct compressed air flow. Toggle levers and pushbuttons are common on assembly line equipment, clamping fixtures, and automated tooling stations. The 2-way and 3-way normally closed configurations ensure safe default states.

Cam-Actuated Systems

Roller and one-way roller operators make the 11 Series well-suited for cam-actuated systems where the valve must sense mechanical motion and translate it into a pneumatic signal. Common uses include conveyor sequencing, indexing tables, and rotary actuator limit sensing.

Operator Interface Panels

The 12 Series selector switch and palm button operators are commonly installed in operator control panels where ergonomic actuation and clear visual identification (colored buttons) enhance both safety and usability.

Safety and Compliance Standards

Before servicing a valve or any pneumatic component, all sources of energy must be turned off, the entire pneumatic system must be shut off and exhausted, and all power sources must be locked out in accordance with OSHA 1910.147 and EN 1037.

All ROSS® products, including service kits and parts, should be installed and/or serviced only by persons with training and experience in pneumatic equipment. Overhauled or serviced valves must be functionally tested prior to reinstallation and use.

ROSS L-O-X® valves and L-O-X® valves with EEZ-ON® operation are defined as energy isolation devices per applicable specifications and regulations — NOT as emergency stop devices. Mechanical power presses and other hazardous machinery using a pneumatically controlled clutch and brake must use a press control double valve with a monitoring device.

ROSS recommends a filter with a 5-micron rating for normal applications. All standard ROSS filters and lubricators with polycarbonate plastic bowls are designed for compressed air only. Do not expose these products to alcohol, liquefied petroleum gas, or other fluids that could cause polycarbonate bowls to rupture.

Installation and Setup Guide

Air Line Preparation

Before installing the valve, blow all air lines clean of contaminants. Install an air filter in the circuit — ROSS recommends a 5-micron rated filter upstream of the valve. Ensure the inlet line (Port 1) is of adequate size and free of crimps, sharp bends, or clogged filter elements that could restrict air supply below minimum operating pressure.

Valve Mounting and Port Connection

To install pipe or fittings in the valve ports: engage the pipe or fitting one turn, apply thread sealant (tape not recommended), then tighten pipe or fitting. This procedure prevents sealant from entering and contaminating the valve. Locate the valve as close as possible to the actuated mechanism for best response and control. Valve exhaust (Port 3) for 3-way valves is unported.

Cam Valve Installation Notes

For cam-operated models, the operating cam must move the operator only within the stroke limits specified: Plunger: 0.07–0.25 in; Roller: 0.10–0.29 in; One-way roller: 0.05–0.10 in. Operating outside these limits can damage the valve and is not covered under warranty.

Lubrication and Maintenance

These valves do not require air line lubrication. If lubricated air is supplied to other mechanisms in the system, use only petroleum-base oils with oxidation inhibitors, an aniline point between 180°F (82°C) and 220°F (104°C), and ISO 32 or lighter viscosity. Avoid oils with phosphate additives (e.g., zinc dithiophosphate) and diester oils. Compatible lubricants include Amoco American Industrial Oil 32, Citgo Pacemaker 32, Exxon Spinesstic 22, Mobil Velocite 10, Shell Turbo T32, and Texaco Regal R&O 32.

To clean the valve interior, use a good commercial solvent. Do not scrape varnished surfaces, use chlorinated solvents, or abrasive materials. Before reassembly, lubricate all sliding surfaces with Mobilgrease 28 or equivalent.

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls has been a global leader in fluid power technology since 1921 — more than 100 years of engineering excellence. Every ROSS® valve is designed and manufactured to meet the most demanding industrial requirements, backed by a global network of technical support engineers and authorized distributors.

ROSS products carry a standard one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship (with FRL products warranted for seven years). For questions about installation or service, contact ROSS Technical Services at 1-888-TEK-ROSS (835-7677) or call 1-800-GET-ROSS. Visit www.rosscontrols.com to find your local distributor or download additional technical documentation.

Download This Document

The official PDF installation and operating instructions for the ROSS 11 Series and 12 Series Mechanical & Manual Valves (Form SS105) can be downloaded directly from ROSS Controls:

PDF Download: https://ross-admin-global-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/document_language_file/file/17/ROSS_11_12_Series_Mechanical_and_Manual_Valves_Installation_Instructions_SS105.pdf

For the full ROSS Controls document library, visit: https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum inlet pressure for the 11 Series valve?

A: The 11 Series valve is rated for inlet pressures from 5 to 150 psig (0.3 to 10 bar). Exceeding this range can shorten valve life.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for these valves?

A: Both 11 Series and 12 Series valves are rated for ambient and media temperatures from 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C).

Q: Do the 11 or 12 Series valves require air line lubrication?

A: No. These valves do not require air line lubrication. However, if lubricated air is supplied to other mechanisms in the system, ensure the oil is a petroleum-base ISO 32 or lighter with oxidation inhibitors and no phosphate additives.

Q: Are service kits available for the 12 Series valve?

A: Service kits are not available for 12 Series valves. Service kits are available for 11 Series valves — see the Service Kit table in the original PDF documentation for specific model-to-kit cross-references.

Q: What thread sealant should I use when installing pipe fittings?

A: Apply a liquid thread sealant (tape is not recommended). Engage the pipe or fitting one turn first, apply sealant, then tighten. This prevents sealant from entering and contaminating the valve interior.

Q: What stroke limits apply to cam-operated models?

A: Cam operators must be moved only within these limits: Plunger: 0.07–0.25 in; Roller: 0.10–0.29 in; One-way roller: 0.05–0.10 in. Operating outside these limits can cause valve damage.

Q: What is the ROSS warranty for the 11 and 12 Series valves?

A: ROSS provides a standard one-year warranty from date of purchase covering defects in material and workmanship. ROSS will repair, replace, or refund the purchase price at its discretion for products returned freight prepaid and confirmed defective.

Q: How do I clean the valve interior?

A: Use a good commercial solvent. Do not use chlorinated solvents or abrasives — these damage seals and metal parts. Do not scrape varnished surfaces. Before reassembly, lubricate all sliding surfaces with Mobilgrease 28 or equivalent.

Q: Can these valves be used with fluids other than compressed air?

A: No. These valves are designed for filtered compressed air only. Do not use with other gases or liquids without consulting ROSS Controls at 1-800-GET-ROSS or www.rosscontrols.com.

Q: Where can I find an authorized ROSS distributor?

A: Visit www.rosscontrols.com to locate your nearest authorized distributor, or call 1-800-GET-ROSS. ROSS has a global distribution network with offices in the USA, Germany, Japan, UK, Brazil, India, China, France, and Canada.